Hilbert Cleveland Morris

Hilbert Cleveland Morris was born to Cleveland and Irene (Ayres) Morris Oct. 3, 1929, in Westhampton Beach, the youngest of five children. He attended local schools. After graduating in 1948, Hilbert, known as Dicky, joined the U.S. Air Force, serving a tour in the Korean War. Afterward, he moved back to Long Island, where he married Hazel Booker in 1962. Three children were welcomed into their lives: Suzanne Renee in 1963, Stephen Allen in 1965 and Peggy Anne in 1972.

Dicky and Hazel had many happy years in the house they built next door to Dicky’s parents on Rogers Avenue in Westhampton Beach. Dicky worked many odd jobs until landing a job as a heavy-equipment operator with Brookhaven National Laboratory, where he worked for over 26 years. He stayed in the Air Force reserves for over 25 years, enjoying weekends of service and stays in other states or countries, providing protection or completing a work detail. Dicky rose to the rank of master sergeant and his family could not have been prouder of him.

Dicky dedicated his life to God at an early age. He and his family attended many Baptist churches on the East End and became longtime members of First Baptist Church of Riverhead, where he was a member of the men’s choir. In later years, he attended Quogue Methodist Church under the Rev. Green. He raised his children in the church and instilled a love of the Lord in all three.

Dicky was proud that all his children completed college and was a proud grandfather to four beautiful boys. He loved to laugh and always had something funny to share with everyone. He loved his life and his family.

Dicky was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Hazel Booker Morris, and, most recently, his sister Helene Morris Robbins, just nine days before him. He leaves to mourn his passing his children: Suzanne Morris-Sherer (Michael), Stephen Morris (Penny) and Peggy Anne Morris; his grandsons: Emil and Liad Sherer and William and Neil Morris; his sister Bernice Pegues; his cousin, Eleanor Grant; his sisters-in-law, Margaret Taylor, Thelma Brown and Thelma Booker, all of Riverhead, and Eva Riley of Hartford, Conn.; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, friends and acquaintances.

Dicky Morris departed this earth on Monday, Jan. 14, 2013, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s and cancer. He passed peacefully at his home of over 50 years. He has gone to God and is pain-free now and at peace. He was deeply loved and will be missed. He was 83 years old.

There will be a memorial to celebrate the life of Hilbert (Dicky) Morris on Saturday, March 23, 2013, at 3 p.m. at Werner-Follett Funeral Home on Mill Road in Westhampton Beach, N.Y. A reception will follow immediately at the VFW in Quogue, N.Y.

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